LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1971, Page 29

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 29

Closing
The closing devotion was led by Dr. William Buege.

Session 7

July 13, Morning
Opening

Rev. August Bernthal served as chaplain for the
opening of the session, basing his remarks on the theme
“An Old Song.”

Essay

Dr. Paul Zimmerman, convention essayist, con-
tinued his discussion on the theme “Ambassadors for
Christ,” stressing the message which they bring. It is
a royal message of royal ambassadors who bring the
message of reconciliation indicating that a changed re-
lationship has been effected. Because of reconciliation
man is at peace with God. Peace is a divine activity
initiated by God, who has reached out to us in Christ.
Reconciliation cost the greatest price ever paid, the
death of Christ. Reconciliation cost the greatest price
ever paid, the death of Christ for us. Justification and
reconciliation both refer to the same redemptive act of
Christ, the former taking its meaning from the sphere
of Law while the latter takes its meaning from the
sphere of personal relationships. This word of justifica-
tion and reconciliation needs to be preached. Personal
appropriation will not take place apart from it.

Minutes

The Secretary of the Synod made the following
proposal to the convention: “Minutes shall be distrib-
uted every morning in Today’s Business. The first item
of business in the afternoon session shall be the formal
approval of these minutes. However, at that time only
corrections involving convention action shall be offered
from the floor for consideration. Simple editorial cor-
rections involving, for example, misspelling of names
and faulty titles and references shall be submitted in
writing to the Secretary for incorporation in the minutes
after verification.”

Since there was no objection to this procedure, the
chair stated that it would be followed in the future
sessions of the convention.

Procedures

In response to a proposal asking for limitation of
time for speakers when it becomes necessary, it was
pointed out that the chairman has the prerogative to
request this. A suggestion that the reading of all resolu-
tions be dispensed with was declined, although it was
pointed out that the floor has the right to make this
decision on each proposed resolution.

Church Relations

The chairman of the floor committee introduced the
resolution (TB 253, 3-18) calling for a study of the
Lutheran Council in the U.S.A. After the motion was

made and seconded, a number of amendments were
introduced but were declined. The decision was made
to divide the question between Sections 1 and 2 of the
proposal. Because of extended discussion, consideration
of this resolution was not completed.

Synodical Administration

On recommendation of the floor committee the dele-
gates added bylaws to the Handbook relating to an
Advance Editorial Commission, thanked the Advance
Editorial Commission for its report and past services,
and resolved to retain the present wording of Bylaw
2.11b dealing with requirements for drafting the duties
of executives (TB 223, 4-18; TB 223, 4-19: TB 224, 4-20).
A proposal to relocate synodical headquarters in South
St. Louis was rejected (TB 224, 4-21). The delegates
asked to reduce the number of studies which have not
been completed by assigning them to able individuals or
groups (TB 224, 4-22). They declined overtures asking
for the addition of a category of confirmed members to
the Statistical Yearbook and for distinguishing between
executive secretaries and other staff members, since
this distinction has not been a cause of confusion or
concern (TB 225, 4-23; TB 225, 4-24).

They directed the Board of Directors to study Over-
ture 4-72 and to recommend bylaws outlining the struc-
ture of the Division of General Staff Services at the
1973 convention (TB 225, 4-25). They resolved to retain
the number and functions of the vice-presidents of the
Synod but amended the Bylaws to include the an-
nouncement and recording of the tally of the final
ballots taken during vice-presidential elections at the
close of the convention (TB 226, 4-26; TB 226, 4-27).
Bylaws relating to the tenure and termination of the
elected officers of the Synod serving full time were
updated (TB 227, 4-28). The resolution to adopt Bylaw
2.11 regarding tenure and termination of executive sec-
retaries, associate, and assistant executive secretaries
and their equivalents, was introduced (TB 227, 4-29).
A motion to table this matter and one to recommit it
were declined. Since time expired for the discussion
of the resolution, it will be considered at a later session.

Higher Education

Dr. Henry Niermann introduced a resolution calling
for the building of Irvine College now. The motion to
do so was made and seconded. Although a previous
matter dealing with the election of college presidents
had not been completed, the floor gave the committee
permission to consider the resolution regarding the
building of Irvine with the provision that it take up the
unfinished resolution immediately following action on
the resolution on Irvine. Because of considerable dis-
cussion and the press of time, the delegates agreed to
limit debate on the resolution to 1 minute per speaker
with a maximum of 10 minutes allowed for the entire
discussion (TB 231, 6-11). An amendment to add the
following as the second resolved of the resolution was
adopted: “Resolved, That the Synod continue to use the